MOLD IN MIDDLESEX COURT DEEMED OK

Elevated levels are found in the judge's chamber but not public areas. More cleaning depends on tests.

Recent tests at Middlesex County's old courthouse found elevated levels of mold in the judge's chamber but not in public areas where flaking and discolored plaster are prevalent.

Middlesex County Administrator Charles Culley said Work Environment Associates of Richmond performed the environmental tests after complaints were heard from workers in the building. Air samples and tests on the discolored plaster found normal mold levels inside the building, except in the upstairs judge's chamber and basement crawlspace.

The report stated that water damage stemming from structural problems led to extensive damage to walls, eventually leading to a breakdown in the plaster. The judge's chamber and crawlspace showed an elevated mold presence compared to outside levels, the report stated.

Culley said the judge's chamber was thoroughly cleaned and that a follow-up test in mid-November showed a decreased mold presence. Culley said he is currently awaiting results from a third test of the chamber to determine whether further work is needed. As for the basement crawlspace areas, Culley said: "We've sealed up everything. Unless you crawl up in there, it shouldn't be a problem.

"It's an old building that smells musty at times," Culley said of the 150-year-old courthouse.

He discounted health complaints that some associated with the building. When colds or allergies flare up, workers assume "it must be the building. It might just be that they had allergies," Culley said.

Middlesex Circuit Court Judge William Shaw III declined to comment on mold found in the judge's chamber, except to say: "My only concern now is getting into the new courthouse."

Three Middlesex judges, including Shaw, successfully sued the county in 1999 to force the construction of a new facility. Work on the $7.4 million building began in 2003 and was concluded more than a year ago.

However, the new courthouse has yet to open. It remains mired in a dispute that is now the subject of its own lawsuit, between the county and the building's architect, over who is at fault for water damage and mold found there before it could open. The mold since has been cleaned. *